Articles by: Soccer Fan

The Nike Soccer ball size 4 is especially manufactured to serve the needs of children between the ages of 9-12. As the age of 13 years old, children in the US will transition to the adult size soccer ball, the size 5.

The Nike Soccer Ball size 4 is the second largest soccer ball that is manufactured. Nike has numerous designs and colors. Nike always has the vision to develop several soccer ball designs for the size 4 soccer ball that will be appealing.

The Nike Soccer ball size 4 is also the same size as the SENIOR FUTSAL BALL. This one can also be purchased online or at a local sports specific store. ​

To play at an elite level, children don't necessarily need an expensive size 4 nike soccer ball, but you should look for a good quality ball to ensure they are getting a good feel. As long as the Nike soccer ball has a good bounce, holds air adequately, and has a quality cover, your child should be able to do everything they ever dreamed of with a soccer ball.

Nike offers several size 4 soccer balls in different price ranges. Let's take a look at a few of them. ​

Nike SIZE 4 ball is ideal for Ages 8 –12
Resisting and made of high tech materials, this new ball combines an exceptional look to the ultra modern technologies.
The 12 panels make the structure more compact and impact resistant
This size 4 ball is Made of TPU material, it provides a long durability and accuracy for unparalleled shooting.
The nike size 4 ball is Reinforced with synthetic material, it allows your child to increase the speed and power of play for development.

The NIKE 32-panel Size 4 ball is designed for durability for those long days of training with your young child.
Machine-stitched TPU casing is designed for consistent play throughout the day.
The Nike size 4 has a High-contrast graphics for easier visual tracking.
The ball is made of 60% RUBBER 15% POLYURETHANE 13% POLYESTER and 12% EVA

The Futsal ball
So many questions surround this mysterious ball. Some people believe the futsal ball is heavier than a regular soccer ball. Some people believe that a futsal ball is “weighted” to make it heavier. Some other soccer loving people believe that a futsal ball could hurt others… Well let’s review the futsal ball and figure out which one you should buy if you are in the market for an excellent futsal ball.
Unlike some myths, a Futsal ball is not necessarily a heavier ball. It is, however, different. A professionall size futsal ball (Which is about the same size of a regular size 4 SOCCER ball) actually weighs LESS than the professional size 5 soccer ball. So when your child is playing with a size 5 soccer ball, they are actually playing with a heavier ball than if they were playing with a Senior Size Futsal ball.
So why does the futsal ball seem heavier? or why do some people believe the futsal ball is “heavier”? After speaking to a few futsal ball manufacturers, I learned the futsal ball is stuffed with cotton. So we went out and purchased a futsala ball to openn it up and review the filling of the futsal ball. This is what we found. It is true that some futsal balls are filled with either cotton or some form of filling that will help it maintain a lightweight, but also take up space inside the ball to reduce the bounce.
The Futsal ball, which is known for its reduced bounce or low-bounce futsal ball, is smaller than a normal outdoor soccer ball and just a tad heavier only when compared to the same size ball. For example, a size 4 soccer ball is lighter than a SENIOR size futsal ball. According to FIFA, the specifications are as follows for a size 4 futsal ball, which is better known as SENIOR futsal ball.
• Size: #4
• Circumference: 62-64 cm (25-26 inches)
• Weight: 390-430 grams (13-14 grams)
• Bounce: 55-65 cm on first bounce
• Material: Leather or other suitable material (i.e., not dangerous)
These futsal ball properties are specifically designed to build confidence and develop skill and technique. When a Futsal ball is received, it virtually ’sticks’ to the foot of the player. This is one of the advantages of playing and training with a futsal ball, the player develops quicker than when using a regular soccer ball. The specifications of the futsal ball aid in building great confidence in tight spaces when rapid passes are made repeatedly in futsal games and futsal trainings.
Interestingly, that same property which makes the futsal ball easy to receive makes it more difficult to strike a powerful shot. A Futsal ball gradually eliminates the “lazy pass” from players who have bad technique. Since the futsal ball is heavier, players must quickly get acquainted with the qualities good technique of passing and striking, which is bending the knee, turning the hips, and striking the futsal ball firmly to drive it. Constant touches and experience with the futsal ball eventually assist in translating those techniques outdoors with a soccer ball. This translates into a firmer and proportionately longer pass appropriate for the bigger field when necessary. Many countries and coaches around the world also claim that smaller size futsal ball encourages more precise striking of the ’sweet spot’ of the futsal ball. If one works during the offseason on striking a Futsal ball, then a larger bouncier ball is struck with greater confidence and authority in the 11 a side game.
I recently learned from a Brazilian coach that soft passes in Brazil are viewed as offensive. Futsal players believe that if you give them a “soft pass” you are telling them that they can’t control a hard pass. I found this to be interesting and probably why Brazil has a culture of really well technically trained futsal and soccer players. Their culture demands that they control the ball at all times, regardless of the pass.
Conclusion:
So what size futsal ball should you buy? depends on your age. read this article for further details on choosing the correct futsal ball, but generally speaking, futsal balls come in 3 different sizes, MINI, JUNIOR, and SENIOR.
A MINI futsal ball is used for kids under 7 years old. A JUNIOR Futsal ball is used for kids 12 and under, and a SENIOR futs

The Futsal ball
So many questions surround this mysterious ball. Some people believe the futsal ball is heavier than a regular soccer ball. Some people believe that a futsal ball is “weighted” to make it heavier. Some other soccer loving people believe that a futsal ball could hurt others… Well let’s review the futsal ball and figure out which one you should buy if you are in the market for an excellent futsal ball.
Unlike some myths, a Futsal ball is not necessarily a heavier ball. It is, however, different. A professionall size futsal ball (Which is about the same size of a regular size 4 SOCCER ball) actually weighs LESS than the professional size 5 soccer ball. So when your child is playing with a size 5 soccer ball, they are actually playing with a heavier ball than if they were playing with a Senior Size Futsal ball.
So why does the futsal ball seem heavier? or why do some people believe the futsal ball is “heavier”? After speaking to a few futsal ball manufacturers, I learned the futsal ball is stuffed with cotton. So we went out and purchased a futsala ball to openn it up and review the filling of the futsal ball. This is what we found. It is true that some futsal balls are filled with either cotton or some form of filling that will help it maintain a lightweight, but also take up space inside the ball to reduce the bounce.
The Futsal ball, which is known for its reduced bounce or low-bounce futsal ball, is smaller than a normal outdoor soccer ball and just a tad heavier only when compared to the same size ball. For example, a size 4 soccer ball is lighter than a SENIOR size futsal ball. According to FIFA, the specifications are as follows for a size 4 futsal ball, which is better known as SENIOR futsal ball.
• Size: #4
• Circumference: 62-64 cm (25-26 inches)
• Weight: 390-430 grams (13-14 grams)
• Bounce: 55-65 cm on first bounce
• Material: Leather or other suitable material (i.e., not dangerous)
These futsal ball properties are specifically designed to build confidence and develop skill and technique. When a Futsal ball is received, it virtually ’sticks’ to the foot of the player. This is one of the advantages of playing and training with a futsal ball, the player develops quicker than when using a regular soccer ball. The specifications of the futsal ball aid in building great confidence in tight spaces when rapid passes are made repeatedly in futsal games and futsal trainings.
Interestingly, that same property which makes the futsal ball easy to receive makes it more difficult to strike a powerful shot. A Futsal ball gradually eliminates the “lazy pass” from players who have bad technique. Since the futsal ball is heavier, players must quickly get acquainted with the qualities good technique of passing and striking, which is bending the knee, turning the hips, and striking the futsal ball firmly to drive it. Constant touches and experience with the futsal ball eventually assist in translating those techniques outdoors with a soccer ball. This translates into a firmer and proportionately longer pass appropriate for the bigger field when necessary. Many countries and coaches around the world also claim that smaller size futsal ball encourages more precise striking of the ’sweet spot’ of the futsal ball. If one works during the offseason on striking a Futsal ball, then a larger bouncier ball is struck with greater confidence and authority in the 11 a side game.
I recently learned from a Brazilian coach that soft passes in Brazil are viewed as offensive. Futsal players believe that if you give them a “soft pass” you are telling them that they can’t control a hard pass. I found this to be interesting and probably why Brazil has a culture of really well technically trained futsal and soccer players. Their culture demands that they control the ball at all times, regardless of the pass.
Conclusion:
So what size futsal ball should you buy? depends on your age. read this article for further details on choosing the correct futsal ball, but generally speaking, futsal balls come in 3 different sizes, MINI, JUNIOR, and SENIOR.
A MINI futsal ball is used for kids under 7 years old. A JUNIOR Futsal ball is used for kids 12 and under, and a SENIOR futs

Ah yes the moment every parent awaits, watching their five year old child play recreational soccer. The first moments that will tell us if our young 5 year old will have some interest in playing the great game of soccer. We can't wait to throw the 5 year old out there on the soccer field so he can join the other 5 year olds in chasing a soccer ball aimlessly around the field. We just hope as parents that our child can kick the ball in the right direction.

But before we can get to this pivotal moment, there are numerous questions that have to be answered. Like what size soccer ball is for my 5 year old? Does the size, brand, or color even matter. What impact does the ball actually have on the developmet of a five year old soccer player? Well lets review all these questions and help you decide on the best soccer ball for your young soccer superstar!

What size soccer ball for a 5 year old?

FIFA and other soccer federations have recommended that a five year old use what they refer to as a "size 3 soccer ball". They will use this size until they are 10 years old. It is fine if five year olds kick around another size soccer ball but you want to minimize the amount of time they spend with a size 4 or 5 soccer ball. The reason for this is that the impact of kicking a heavier ball takes a toll on any child's muscles, tendons, and joints. This doesn't mean that they will break their leg by kicking a larger ball, but the repetitive impact of kicking a much larger and heavier ball over a long period of time could due some detrimental damage down the road. This should not scare anyone, it would take a large amount of time. So to be safe, just limit the time they spend kicking a much larger ball.

The other more important reason that the child should have a smaller ball is because it helps them develop their coordination. Think about other sports and how they improve their skills. Basketball players use tennis balls to dribble to improve their hand eye coordination. Baseball players hit golf balls or smaller waffle balls to improve their vision. The same way the other sports do it is the same way that a smaller ball is important for younger soccer players, especially 5 year olds. So if you want to assist in player development, use a size 3 or smaller soccer ball for your 5 year old.

So what about the soccer brand of soccer ball for a five year old child? ​The truth is that it really won't make much of a difference. As long as the ball can keep the shape and stay inflated. The color is also irrelevant, but i think you were already aware of this. The important part is that the child is happy with their ball. You want your five year old to continue playing and stay interested in playing. You want your 5 year old child to love their soccer ball and view it as toy, which is what it should be. So if your daughter wants a soccer ball with pink flowers, it's totally ok. As long as she loves playing with it. If your son wants his favorite superhero ball, as long as he enjoys playing and improving.

Part of the MLS Soccer collection, the design is inspired by the three MLS pillars of club, country, and community. This gives you the parent several different options for color and design.

Machine stitched construction and internal nylon wound carcass for maximum durability and long-lasting performance. So the perfect ball for that five year old superstar to kick all their goals at the game, at practice, and at home.

Special TPU exterior material is designed to resist abrasion and last longer for that long last training and development plan designed for your 5 year old child.

Butyl bladder for best air retention to keep the ball's shape and stay inflated longer. The longer life means your child will have their favorite ball for a longer time, which will help them stay engaged and playing!!

Size 1 is a mini ball designed for kids of all ages; size 3 ball suggested for ages 8 and under; size 4 ball suggested for ages 8-12; size 5 ball (official size) suggested for ages 12+; check with your local league for size requirements if you are looking for a game ball. But if you just want a practice ball, you can't go wrong with this one!

I was at Dicks Sporting Goods recently to pick up a new soccer ball and ran into this display above. That's right the new 2018 World Cups Soccer ball from Adidas is here. I got a chance to touch and feel each one of the balls there. They had three of the soccer balls in display. You have to be up close to notice and feel the difference between each World Cup soccer ball. The 2018 World Cup official match ball will be the Adidas Telstar.

adidas 2018 FIFA® World Cup Russia Telstar Official Match Ball: A throwback to the classic Telstar ball used during the tournament in 1970, the 2018 version features a thermally bonded six-panel design to maximize flight and pace with pixilated detailing for a modern aesthetic. The 2018 official match ball also comes with an Interactive Near Field Communication (NFC) chip that allows you to interact with the ball through your smartphone.

As your child grows, so should the soccer ball he/she uses. So when your child reaches the age of 8, what soccer ball should you buy for your 8 year old? There are a few factors that will help you determine the size of the best soccer ball for an 8 year old. Here we will help you make the best decision on a ball for your 8 year old.

If you don't care about quality or other factors, just go here to Amazon and order the 2017/18 Nike La Liga Soccer size 4 ball. But if you care about your 8 year old's soccer player development, you might want to keep reading and learn how to choose the best soccer ball for an 8 year old!

When your child was first starting out, lets say at 5 years old, a small ball was just fine because they weren’t do much more than just kicking it around and bouncing it. Kids should start out with a size 1 ball and progress through all the sizes until they reach 13 years of age and then they play with the size 5 for the rest of their lives.

Most kids start playing at around age 5-6 years old, when mom or dad signs them up for the AYSO program or some other type of recreational soccer program in the community. At this time the kids start learning about the game and begin to develop their soccer skills. The majority of the recreational programs will be playing with a size 3 ball at this young age.

It is at age 8 years old when it gets a little confusing because of the divisions that are set in place by the leagues and soccer programs. An 8-year-old, depending on their birthdate may be playing in a U9 soccer league. It is at U9 that youth soccer leagues in the United States begin playing with a size 4 ball. So it will not be the age of your youngster that determines the size of the ball for an 8 year old, it will be the youth soccer league division in which he or she plays.

Our recommendation at SoccerShopForYou.com is that you take your 8 year old’s development into consideration. If your child is just starting out at 8 years old, buy them the smaller size 3 ball regardless of what division they are playing in. The reason we recommend this for an 8-year-old is that the smaller the ball, the better it is for their development. You want your child to improve their skills as much as possible as quickly as possible.

Why does the size of the ball matter? Well, have you ever seen a goalie playing with tennis balls? What about a basketball player dribbling tennis balls? What about a baseball player trying to hit pin pong balls or waffle balls? The reason they train with smaller balls is because it helps improve their hand eye coordination. This is what you want to do with the smaller ball for your 8-year-old. You want them to improve their foot and eye coordination which will make them a better player.

​

Check out the ball size chart used in the United States. This is also similar to many other countries around the world. Remember that these soccer ball sizes are for COMPETITION and not necessarily for training, although most countries will recommend the same size ball for training and competition.

The ball your child plays with will have a huge impact. Buy the smaller size ball when your child is 8 years old. Every team, regardless of the league your child plays in has to provide the game ball. It is not the responsibility of your child or you as a parent to provide the game ball. For this reason, you should buy your 8 year old a size 3 soccer ball. This will allow your child to practice with the smaller ball at home and at training. When the game starts, just put your child’s size 3 soccer ball away and they can play with the size 4 ball if they play in a U9 division. If your 8 year old happens to be playing U8, then even better, your size 3 soccer ball will be able to be used as a game ball, if you want it to.

Here are 2 balls we recommend for your 8 year old, both are size 3. Remember the two most important factors.

What age group does your child compete in? Are you the coach?

How much do you want your child to improve their development?

​Adidas MLS Glider Ball

Part of the MLS Soccer collection, the design is inspired by the three MLS pillars of club, country, and community

Special TPU exterior material is designed to resist abrasion and last longer

Butyl bladder for best air retention to keep the ball's shape and stay inflated longer

Size 3 ball suggested by adidas for ages 8 and under; size 4 ball suggested for ages 8-12; size 5 ball (official size) suggested for ages 12+. Size 1 is a mini ball. DO NOT FORGET to check with your local league for size requirements.

If you are the coach and have to provide the ball for your competitions, you should check with your league and see what ball they recommend. Even after this, you should buy two balls, a size 4 for competition if required, and a size 3 soccer ball for your 8 year old to train at home and practice. It is more difficult to manipulate a size 3 soccer ball because of the smaller size, this will help your 8 year old improve their ball control and eye/foot coordination.

Forget about the quality of the ball, as long as it is a good regular ball, you will be fine. It doesn’t have to be the finest ball in the store, but it does need to have some good “true bounce” so your 8 year old can learn to be familiar with the ball. Don’t worry about the name brand either, at this young age there is no need to pay extra for name brands.

You could also take a look at a futsal ball for indoor training. If you want to know more about futsal balls check out the encyclopedia of futsal balls here.

Another ball that could help you is an Adidas MyCoach Ball. This is the newest innovation in soccer ball training and development and could help out your 8 year old maximize his/her player development.

A Training Ball with an Integrated Sensor

With the adidas Smart Ball you'll fine tune your technique and kick like a pro with instant feedback on power, spin, strike and trajectory, along with exclusive tips and guidance.

A training tool for place kicks, the adidas Smart Ball is a size 5, sorry this is the only size they have. So it may go against our recommendation of a size 3 ball for your 8 year old. An integrated sensor package records strike point, speed, spin and trajectory when you kick the ball.

Kick data is sent instantly back to a companion iOS or Android app over Bluetooth Smart, enabling users to perfect their technique for power, bend and knuckle balls.

What exactly is a Futsal Ball Size 5? There are many people new to Futsal or Futbol Sala who don't understand the correct ball sizes for futsal. Since many of the players, parents, and coaches are usually learning about futsal AFTER they have been playing soccer or football for a while, there is this period of adjustment. Sometimes they spend weeks and months looking for a futsal ball size 5, without success.

Futsal must be viewed as a completely different sport from soccer. If you are going to accept futsal as a tool for soccer player development, you must accept that futsal or futbol sala is a completey different sport.

The problems begin when the soccer player, parent, or coach attempts to familiarize themselves with futsal by adopting the soccer or football rules. I recommend you come into futsal with a clean slate and just be open to anything. ​

The sport of futsal is not played with a ball size 5. The size 2-5 is only for soccer. Futsal uses a different measurement for their balls. They are also different in the fact that futsal balls are stuffed with cotton or other materials to reduce the bounce. ​The futsal ball's properties are specifically designed to improve the player development process and improve technique. Many programs around the world also claim that smaller size encourages more precise striking of the ’sweet spot’ of the ball. If one works during the offseason on striking a futsal ball, then a larger bouncier ball is struck with greater confidence and authority in the outdoor game.

So don't waste your time searching for a futsal ball size 5, because they don't exist. Well I take that back, there are some companies trying to get into the futsal ball game and have manufactured balls that are either the size of a size 5 soccer ball and they call it "futsal", OR there are some companies that manufacture a futsal ball that is supposedly a "size 4 futsal ball" but is the size a "size 5 soccer ball". But trust me, there is NO SUCH THING as a size 5 futsal ball!!! The whole point of the futsal ball is that it is smaller than the soccer ball.

So how do you know when you are buying the correct futsal ball size? And how can avoid cheap futsal balls? Well first you must go with a reputable company. Then you must learn the futsal ball sizes. The Futsal Ball sizes used vary by country, but the size of the ball should not change. What we mean is that in Brazil they use a size 1 futsal ball for young kids until 7 years old! But in Spain they start with the Futsal Ball size 2! So don't get confused with this as long as your kids are using smaller futsal ball is what matters. In the US, kids only use futsal ball size 3 up until age 12, then they switch to the size 4. BUT NEVER USE A FUTSAL BALL SIZE 5! you will be playing with the wrong ball if you are playing with a size 5 futsal ball.

So stick to this rule, use Futsal ball size 2 for kids 7 and under, Size 3 for 8-12, and Size 4 for 13 and older. Sometimes the words JUNIOR Futsal Ball or SENIOR Futsal Ball are used to interchange for size 3 and 4. JUNIOR size futsal ball just means it's for younger kids 8-12 years old. And SENIOR size futsal ball means it's for kids 13 and older all the way up to adult. Don't skip out on a good ball because they don't have a size 3 or 4 on it.

And where is the best place to get these futsal balls? ONLINE! trust me the sports stores in your neighborhood won't carry them, futsal is just not mainstream enough for the local stores to carry them, and besides it's 2018 the online shopping craze is here to stay!

These are my top 3 futsal balls based on performance and wear and tear. Remember that Futsal balls will take a harsher beating because they are used are hard surfaces, not the nice soft grass outdoors!​

First is the select sport america Jinga Futsal ball, this has durability, quality, and great design. They have two ball sizes, Junior (same size as 3 in soccer for kids 8-12) and Senior (same size as 4 in soccer for kids 13 and up).

Select Sport America Jinga Futsal Ball

Select Sport America Master Grain Futsal Ball

This ball is the official futsal ball of the US Futsal! They have certainly manufactured a ball that will withstand the pounding of professional athletes. only downside is that this ball is only offered in size 4 or SENIOR. Yeah that's a bummer, but it's the best one for 13 and up. ​

Mitre Pro Futsal Soccer Ball

The Mitre pro futsal ball is the official ball of the newly formed PFL (Professional Futsal League) in the United States! The ball is only offered in size 4 or SENIOR. This is a quality ball if there ever was one!​

Finally we have Senda Athletics, a new up and coming, but serious futsal company that knows their stuff!! They have both size 3 and 4 size futsal balls. They are also sponsors of the USYF, the largest youth futsal league in the US.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about futsal balls and the sizes. Please do not waste your time searching for a size 5 futsal ball, it does not exist. And in case they are out there somewhere, don't buy it, it's probably from a company that doesn't know futsal.

What Are You Really Paying For?

It is quite common for people, especially price concious soccer athletes, to purchase necessary products with outstanding quality but as we all know, the better the quality, the more expensive a product will be. I know there are some exceptions with new products and companies coming out, but the majority of good quality soccer gear is, for the most part, expensive. Some products are expensive no matter where you purchase it but when it comes to soccer, the gear can be cheap and still have excellent quality. Soccer is definitely a sport where an athlete has the option of purchasing cheap gear with excellent quality. The gear can range from shing guards, soccer balls, goals, to soccer uniforms.

Remember that the Nike and Adidas gear may be of great quality, but the companies must increase the price of those soccer balls or soccer boots in order to make up for the cost of the advertising. A smaller lesser known football company may manufacture the same soccer ball or boot, with very very similar quality, but keep the retail price lower due to competition.

Take a look and review some of our articles on soccer balls for example. Brine, Mitre, and Wilson are two companies that make excellent soccer balls, but do not carry the big names like Nike and Adidas. Instead their money is spent on innovation and manufacturing. this allows these soccer companies to produce great quality soccer equipment for a lower, cheaper price. Keep in mind that a lower cheaper price on soccer equipment does not always mean less quality.

The one I like the most is the Mikasa Serious Soccer Ball size 5. Mikasa is a Japanese soccer manufacturer that produces some good quality soccer balls at very low prices. They offer some different sizes and colors as well.

What about a soccer shin guard? There are some qualities that make a shing guard very good. But what are those qualities? Well it will depend on who you ask. If you want protection around the ankles, then the sole shin pad will probably not work for you. But the soccer shin guard that covers the ankles with bulging pads will be perfect. However many top level athletes hate the additional shin pads covering ankles and with the stirup. They may regret it at times, but most professionals choose the sole shin guard pad to wear under the sock. See the photos below.

See the Classic Sport shin guard that covers the ankles. This cheap shin guard will do everything a Nike or Adidas soccer shin guard will do, which is to cover your shins and your ankles and with a strap. There is no need to spend anymore money and buy expensive shin guards, no one can see them anyway!

Part of the Classic Sport collection, this is a great fitting guard for the beginner and advanced athlete

Their reinforced plastic shell contains air vents for constant cooling

Straps secure them to his foot and calf to eliminate slippage when he runs and kicks the ball into the back of the net.

The other type of soccer shin guard which only covers the shin is usually used by older players and mostly professionals. It does not cover as much, but is beloved by older players. I prefer the shin pad, even though I am aware that my ankles are NOT protected. I pay the price for that sometimes!

YOUNG PLAYERS: These shin guards are suitable for 6-18 years old children to reduce the chance of injury, however younger children beware, these don’t cover your ankles..

HIGH GRADE MATERIAL IMPACT RESISTANCE: Made of hard PP material on the surface is a high density material, which could effectively absorb the external impact force, to protect the shin.

Soccer uniforms are no different. There is some material used to manufacture soccer jerseys that is ideal, but the quality of a jersey will never ever make or brake a soccer player. As much as Nike and Adidas would like you to think that their “breathable” jersey will make you a better soccer player, it won’t. The materials used to manufacture these jerseys have a miniscule advantage for professional football players where every little ounce of advantage counts, but for regular soccer players, a cheap soccer uniform will do just fine.

Although some will argue that cheaper products do not work as well, that is not true. Most of the time a customer is only paying for the brand name of a product and not the product itself. A $150 ball does not make a difference in how you, the player, will perform on the field. A premium soccer ball will have a miniscule impact on your own performance. It will help the ball last longer and keep it's shape and true bounce longer, but it won't help you kick harder, shoot harder, or dribble quickcer. A cheap soccer ball with good true bounce and some good quality outer layer will do the trick.

The same goes for a pair of $350 soccer cleats. Expensive soccer cleats will not allow the soccer player to run faster, pass better, or even shoot better. The biggest impact on a soccer player's shot will be the form and their technique. A good player can kick the ball just as hard when they are barefoot, which goes to show you just how minimal the player's cleats matter. A player's performance will mainly depend on their confidence and ability to play on the field. A cheap pair of soccer cleats that can withstand the rigor of your game will work just as well. The soccer player should feel comfortable in the shoes. The cheap pair of shoes should have good traction and fit nice and tight. Those are the main factors when choosing a soccer cleat. For regular soccer players, especially kids just starting out, a cheap pair of football boots are just as good!

When purchasing products people seem to forget or simply do not care about the loss of quality after using a product. The amount of money that you spend on your gear for a certain period of time should be considered. If you rarely play then you’re better off buying cheap gear but if soccer is the main sport one plays all year then it would be best to buy a bit more expensive gear but not too expensive.

Since finding deals for soccer gear may be difficult to find in stores, you can always find great deals online. Some online stores are ridiculously expensive because they target customers who are looking for a quick purchase without having to leave their house instead of physically going to the store. Amazon is a great website to visit when trying to purchase good quality products at an affordable price.

Online stores are not the only places you can purchase good quality soccer gear for conveniently low prices, but they are the best go-to when schedules are full and the budget is tight. After a few rough games on the field, the name brand cleats and shin guards you just bought for $450 won’t look so good. So don’t go out of your way to spend your savings on expensive name brand gear that will only last a few games.

Soccer, or “football”, as it is known around the world, is by far the most popular sport in the world. The “beautiful game”, as some may call it, offers players the ability to exercise, be part of a team, and demonstrate their athletic abilities. The game however would not be the same without the soccer ball. We have developed a list of the best soccer balls under $50 to help you navigate the world of imposters and marketing, and get the best soccer ball money can buy!

Quality

The quality of the soccer ball does have an impact on the soccer game and ultimately the soccer players performance. There are plenty of good quality soccer balls under $50. The quality may also impact the final outcome of the score of the game. Many novice players may not even consider the quality, but depending on the quality, some players may be able to shoot with power, while others may struggle. The quality of the ball will also impact the passing and receiving. A soccer ball with too much air may be too bouncy and impact the first touch of the player. A soccer ball that is under inflated may impact the ability of players to get a good feel and make correct passes to other teammates.

True Bo﻿﻿﻿﻿unce, Responsiveness

A good quality soccer ball will have a good “true” bounce. This means that the ball will bounce in an angle directly in proportion to where it came from. If the ball hits the ground in a 90 degree angle from the air, then a good quality soccer ball will bounce right back up, in the 90 degree angle. Soccer balls are inspected by FIFA for their “bounce” quality and will only pass certain FIFA inspections if the ball’s bounce meets their criteria. The reason a soccer ball’s bounce is so critical is that players learn to dribble, pass, and shoot with a ball that resembles a true bounce. The lower the “true bounce” on a ball, the more likely a player will make a mistake when receiving, passing, or shooting the soccer ball.

You can just imagine that professional soccer balls are the most expensive, the highest quality, and therefore have the “truest bounce”. But don’t worry, you can still find a nice premium match ball under $50.

Keep in mind that a soccer ball’s quality or cost will not make or break your young soccer player, the kids still have to put their time into training and development. Materials, stitching, design, and diameter won’t matter as much as the “true bounce” of a soccer ball. Although the materials used, the hand stitching, and diameter will impact the soccer ball’s “true bounce”.

A soccer ball that is inflated properly, made of good materials, and has a true bounce, will glide correctly through the air. A ball that is not inflated properly will not “fly” correctly due to the imbalance of the air inside the ball. Many advanced soccer players like to make the ball curve by kicking one side of the ball and making it spin rapidly to create a curve in the air. Some like to “knuckle” the ball, by kicking the ball exactly in the center and eliminating the spin completely as the soccer ball travels in the air. This can only be done when a soccer ball is inflated correctly and has a “true bounce” as the ball will need to “bounce” off the foot of the player.

To get closer to a good premium soccer ball, you must know where to find them and not fall into the marketing trap of some of these companies. To help you, I’ve developed the list of balls under $50 that will provide some guidance.

Material

Soccer balls today, as of 2017, are made mostly of synthetic materials. The advances in technology have allowed soccer ball manufacturers to offer great quality soccer balls at lower prices since these materials can be made much easier. Just a few decades ago balls were still covered with naturally occurring materials, including leather. These advances have improved the performance, including the “true bounce” of a soccer ball, and added to the life of a soccer ball. The synthetic material also allows the ball to stay dry during wet rainy soccer games.

Size

Soccer balls come in a few different sizes and weights. The most common soccer ball is a size 5, which is used by children 13 years old and up to professional soccer leagues. The next smaller ball is a size 4, which are used by children ages 9 years old to 12 years old. This ball is a bit smaller than the size 5. The other “match ball” size is a size 3, which are used by children under 9 years old. Although these are lower priced balls under $50, the ball may be smaller in size, but the same still applies to the quality and their “true bounce”.

Design

Don’t be fooled by designs on a soccer ball. The majority of the people we speak to say they buy a soccer ball based on the design. Don’t fall into this category. While soccer balls come in all types of designs, you want to analyze the quality of the ball if you are going to use it as a “match ball”. For fun around the house, the design can be whatever you choose. But for practice and/or a game ball, make sure you select your soccer ball based on quality and feel, and less on design.

Select Sport America actually make really good soccer balls, but since they are not the large companies like Nike and Adidas, they don’t have a large marketing budget. What you must know is that Select manufacture some quality match balls.

Let’s start with my first pick of the best soccer balls under $50, the Select Numero 10 Soccer Ball. We’ve used this ball for years now. The popular numero 10 Soccer ball comes with a high visability Orange color. I mentioned earlier not to be fooled by colors, but this orange color will help to avoid losing your ball at the soccer field. The Numero 10 also features textured casing for maximum durability and to assist with the “true bounce”.

The ball is made of US 1500 synthetic leather and is hand-sewn PU cover with zero-wing bladder for optimal “true” bounce. This ball has a 2-Year Warranty and is approved by the NSCAA and NFHS. Although not FIFA approved, I can say that this ball is of good quality, has a good “true bounce” and maintains that true bounce throughout its life. If you want a good quality soccer ball for training and official games, this is definitely a soccer ball you can get for under $50. Select also offers numerous colors and sizes to select your favorite ball.

Other Select soccer balls under $50 include the America Royale. This ball is IMS(International Match Standard) and NFHS/NCAA Approved; Made with FPUS 1800 synthetic leather. The ball has fantastic control and feel in all weather and pitch conditions, especially those wet rainy days when other balls underperform. The Royale is hand stitched with 1.8 mm PU cover and with zero wing latex bladder for optimal “true” bounce. This one also comes with a 2 year warranty, like most Select balls, and several different color options.

Brine is another soccer ball manufacturer that doesn’t get the love and respect it deserves due to marketing budgets. They do not pay Messi or Ronaldo $1 billion to promote their brand, so instead they focus on providing their customers with good quality soccer balls.

In my experience coaching High School soccer, the majority of the high schools use Brine Soccer balls for training and games. Let’s discuss a few Brine soccer balls that fall under $50.

The Brine Phantom X is a ball that can be used for training and soccer games. Some colleges even use the Phantom ball for training and games. The Phantom is a little higher premium than the Select in my opinion and experience. The Phantom offers a High performance non-woven textured PU cover which is extremely durable and helps to maintain the shape and integrity of the ball. There is now a newly designed and improved ball for 2017/18, with a new HA Bladder. The Phantom is NFHS approved and hand stitched as most premium balls. Brine also offers the 2year manufacturer guarantee.

Brine also offers the Voracity Soccer ball with not quite the same appeal as the Phantom, but still a good training ball with great quality. The Voracity offers an Abrasion-resistant, soft Polyurethane cover for responsiveness on the pitch. The High Retention Latex bladder system and hand stitching help to maintain that responsive “true bounce” from strong shots and passes.

The Nike Strike Ball is not Nike’s best ball, but it offers a good quality soccer ball under $50. This ball is best suited for training and some amateur soccer games. The ball is still fairly new but it has kept the size, air pressure, and responsiveness pretty well. I think that the “true bounce” of the ball could be improved. It appears as if it’s low on air from the responsiveness during training. I am a little picky as I am used to training with other higher quality soccer balls, but this ball is definitely made of good quality. I have bought this ball in the past and will continue buying Nike soccer balls as long as they are made of good quality like this one. This ball will range between $35 - $45.

The Adidas Top Glider soccer ball is another great ball for the price. Adidas came out with this ball for the 2017-18 season. Adidas historically has had some of the best soccer balls ever. The World Cup has always used Adidas. They have also made tremendous inventions and advancements to the soccer ball.

The reason I like this ball is due to the responsiveness and feel for the ball. Although it is machine stitched construction, the internal nylon wound carcass makes for maximum durability and long-lasting performance. I usually like hand stitched, but this ball is the exception. The special TPU exterior material is designed to resist abrasion and last longer that’s why I love to use them for games as well as practice. The butyl bladder for best air retention to keep the ball’s shape and stay inflated longer and ensure the “true bounce”. This ball also comes in several different designs which allow you to be part of the MLS Soccer collection, the design is inspired by the three MLS pillars of club, country, and community. The Adidas Top Glider definitely has the quality and responsiveness to make it a great investment.

The best soccer ball under $50 at this time is the Phantom X. I have used these balls for several years for training and games. The fact that Brine continues to manufacture the same quality ball year after year says alot about the quality of the ball. HS soccer teams across the country also continue to depend on the Phantom soccer ball year after year. For these reasons and many more, the Phantom X wins the best soccer ball under $50 competition. ​

Best Kids Soccer Ball

What is the best kids soccer ball out there? I get this question several times every year from parents who are wondering which soccer ball will help their player the most. What if we told you that the best kids soccer ball is …… the one that the young player likes the most.. to an extent, unless they are over 13 years old.

Depending on the age of your child, the kids soccer ball size, performance, color, condition, and/or cost won’t matter much at all. Let’s say that from toddler to about 12 or 13 years old, the best kids soccer ball to purchase will have very little to no impact on your child’s soccer player development. Let me explain.

As young kids develop into soccer players, they need something that resembles a ball so that they can begin to manipulate it with their feet. They don’t need a high cost soccer ball with the best performance because they won’t be playing in the Premier League anytime soon. What the young soccer player needs is a simple soccer ball that is small enough for the kids to control. Some players will even use a tennis ball as a soccer ball, because they are improving their development. The focus is on the development of techniques, this is why the kids soccer ball performance doesn’t matter much or at all at this young age.

Some players around the world grow up playing with different balls. Some players are so poor that they make their own ball out of rags. Some kids use a soccer ball with a hyde cover because of the terrain where they train and play. Check out this ball that is used in the dessert areas of Northern Mexico and Southwestern United States. This kids soccer ball is constructed with a patented Mikasa Hyde cover and nylon-wound that helps performance on the hard surface of Arizona and Northern Mexico where grass grows very little.

The best kid’s soccer ball is the one that the young soccer player loves. Once the player falls in love with the ball, he/she will begin to play more often. That’s how the kids will improve their game, by playing more often. So, this should be a relief to any parent, don’t spend too much time wondering if your kids have the best soccer ball. Instead help your kids identify a ball that they love and will play with. That ball will be the best soccer ball for your kid. The cost, performance, bounce, color, or look should only be used for older players.

Once the young soccer player has developed, can control the soccer ball, and knows how to shoot and pass, then you can focus on the performance of the kids soccer ball. This is when the cost and size will start to matter. By age 13 the kids will need a size 5 soccer ball, inflated correctly with the correct PSI, and with a true bounce. This will allow the kids to practice soccer specific specialty kicks, dribbles, shots, passes, and even headers.

The 13-year-old will begin playing with a size 5 soccer ball for the rest of their life. They should start getting used to playing with a good soccer ball. At this point the best soccer ball will depend on the level of play your son or daughter want to or aspire to play at. If your young soccer player plays at a high level, an investment on a premium soccer ball is a good idea, however not necessary. Keep in mind however that most of the high-level soccer leagues will also be playing with very good high level soccer balls which will have a true bounce, correctly inflated, and designed for high performance.

So what exactly does a “premium soccer ball” do and what should you look for when purchasing a premium soccer ball?

The Soccer Ball Cover

The Polyurethane soccer ball cover:

A synthetic material called Polyurethane (PU) is used to cover the bladder of a soccer ball. Adidas did away with the leather back in 1994. I remember playing with those balls, they hurt when you go up for a header. There is good news though, since the soccer ball cover was changed to PU, the performance of the ball improved. It’s mostly due to water absorption of the soccer ball cover, there is less. Plus the ball is bouncier and you can kick it longer without braking your ankle. Anyway, look for a PU Soccer ball cover when purchasing a kids soccer ball.

PVC or Plastic soccer ball cover:

These are mostly for younger kids soccer balls, but be careful. As stated earlier, if your soccer player is under 12, this probably won’t matter much, but no premium soccer ball will be made of PVC or Plastic. These are typically less expensive soccer balls so you should be able to tell the difference.

Soccer Ball Bladder

The premium soccer ball will hopefully have a latex bladder. This is the standard for a quality soccer ball. The latex ball bladder helps the ball feel softer and it keeps its shape better. A premium soccer ball with a latex bladder feels like magic on your feet. Gives the kids soccer ball a true bounce, soft touch, and you feel like you can kick the soccer ball a mile!

The Butyl bladder in a soccer ball does almost the opposite. The Butyl bladder makes the ball feel harder and heavier. So why would anyone manufacture this ball…? Well because it is less expensive and retains the air a little longer. These balls are still great for training and if you can’t afford a higher priced soccer ball. But if you are looking for a premium soccer ball, look for the latex soccer ball bladder.

Soccer Ball Manufacturers

The soccer ball manufacturer of your kids soccer ball probably won’t matter much since most of the big soccer ball companies do a great job. There are the three giants in sports equipment and specifically kids soccer balls, Nike, Puma, and Adidas. There are other strong players in the kids soccer ball industry like Mitre, Brine, Wilson, Mikasa, Under Armour, and Select. Nike and Adidas own the majority of the market. Brine and Wilson have a strong presence in High School Soccer. While Mitre is making a comeback recently with great quality soccer balls and futsal ball. Under Armour is fairly new, but also have a pretty strong presence and probably growing in the kids soccer ball market.

At this point you will find very high premium match balls with Select, Brine, Wilson, Nike, Adidas, and Puma. Voit is the current official soccer ball manufacturer of the Liga MX in Mexico. They are also making a small comeback.

The price of a good quality premium kids soccer ball size 5 is probably between $70 and $150, and sometimes even more depending on the soccer ball company.

What does “FIFA Approved” really mean?

FIFA Approved and FIFA Inspected are both good things to look for in a kids premium soccer ball. FIFA has these two standards which are basically tests that they put the balls through to inspect their quality.

The 6 step test to receive FIFA INSPECTED LOGO:

Circumference - must be consistent

Roundness – must get a true bounce

Rebound - must bounce consistently.

Weight – should fit into specified weight category depending on size

Water absorption - this test turns and squeezes the ball in a tank of water 250 times. Absorbed water cannot add 15% to the initial weight of the ball.

Loss of pressure - must retain pressure for a 72-hour period.

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FIFA APPROVED:

The 7th test or step for a FIFA Aproved ball is a Shape and Zize retention test. The FIFA Approved ball must also pass the 6 tests mentioned above, but at a higher more stringent level of course. The FIFA approved soccer ball must retain the shape and size for a longer period.

Let me tell you what I did, we purchased the 2012 Adidas Jabulani soccer ball which was the official ball for the 2012 World Cup. The Jabulani premium soccer ball was $147.00. The premium soccer ball has now lasted over 5 years and it still maintains its shape and size, bounce, roundness, circumference, rebound, weight, and loss of pressure. It was a great investment and the Jabulani soccer ball is still a premium match ball today.

To ensure you are buying a premium soccer ball, make sure you find the FIFA Approved logo or statement on the soccer ball. This will ensure that you are purchasing a true premium soccer ball.

To buy the best soccer ball for your kids, go to Amazon.com and use the keywords mentioned above. If you want a premium soccer ball, you will find it here (I did the work for you just click on the links). But remember that it’s not necessary to buy a premium match soccer ball for a young child.

If you want a soccer ball for kids under 12, your best option is probably to head out to your local super market or at Amazon and just buy a regular soccer ball. You can use the keywords we use above to look for the best one that will fit your needs depending on the soccer ball size and quality you are looking for.

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